SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL Plays Through 6/28 At Vineyard Theatre

Jaradoa Theater presents SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL, a new musical, June 12 through June 28 at the Vineyard Theatre, 108 East 15th Street (between Union Square East & Irving Place). Opening night is Sunday, June 21 at 7 p.m. Written by Anika Larsen, SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL is co-conceived and directed by April Nickell.

SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL tells Anika Larsen's own story of growing up in Cambridge, MA with nine Brothers and Sisters who are Black, White, Asian, Latino, and Native American. The 17-member cast portrays the many people in her world who help to shape Anika's identity while being raised in such a unique rainbow family. Along the way, she's forced to grapple with the
truth in this unique and quirky exploration of race, identity and family. Book and lyrics for SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL are by Anika Larsen, with original music composed by Tim Acito, Joshua Henry and Janice Lowe. The show is backed by a five-piece band.

The choreographer for SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL is Luis Salgado and the musical director is Karl Mansfield.

Anika Larsen heads the cast of SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL. Also featured in the company are Chloe Campbell, Anthony Comis, Stephen Gelpi, Chris Harbur, John Harrison, Ricardo Hinoa, Amanda Hunt, Mario Martinez, Stephanie Martinez, Zonya Love, Liz Piccoli, Elizabeth Racanelli, Eileen Rivera, Lawrence Stallings, Shelley Thomas, and Gregory Treco.

Anika Larsen has appeared on Broadway in Xanadu, Rent and All Shook Up. Her Off-Broadway credits include Zanna, Don't!; Miracle Brothers; How to Save the World and Find True Love in 90 Minutes; and Serenade. This July, Anika will be joining the Broadway cast of Avenue Q playing Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut.

Director April Nickell has directed in New York City for the Neva Theater Company and Haven Productions, as well as Jaradoa Theater's The Small of Her Back and Serenade by Rachel Sheinkin and Nils Olaf Dolven. Choreographer Luis Salgado is in the cast of Broadway's In the Heights, where he also serves as assistant to the choreographer. Luis also appeared in The Mambo Kings and Fame, and he choreographed Serenade (HOLA Award).

Scenic design for SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL is by Josh Zangen, with lighting by Herrick Goldman, costumes by Andrea Varga, and sound by Mike Farfalla.
The playing schedule for SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL is June 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 25, 26, & 27 at 8 p.m., June 21 at 7 p.m., June 20 & 27 at 2p.m., and June 28 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18: www.SmartTix.com (212) 868-4444. For more information, visit www.JaradoaTheater.org.

Pictured:    Anika Larsen and The Company  in SHAFRIKA, THE WHITE GIRL, a
new musical directed by April Nickell at  the Vineyard Theatre.
Photo: Corey Hayes

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